“Everyone’s Job Gets Bigger”: Dallas Wings Reshape Approach as Paige Bueckers Enters Concussion Protocol

The Dallas Wings were starting to build something. After a rough start to the season, Paige Bueckers was settling in as the team’s lead guard, finding a rhythm alongside Arike Ogunbowale, and helping guide Dallas to its first win of the season earlier this week.

Now, she’s unavailable—at least for the immediate future.

Bueckers entered the WNBA’s concussion protocol following a collision late in Thursday night’s 97–92 loss to the Chicago Sky. She will miss at least two games and be re-evaluated next week, creating an early-season void that could test the Wings’ ability to stay afloat.

Arike Ogunbowale: “It Looked Like Our Chemistry Took a Step”

Before her injury, Bueckers had become a stabilizing force for the Dallas team. She ranks first among WNBA rookies in assists (6.7) and second in scoring (14.7), and logged 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds, three steals, and three blocks Thursday in one of her most complete performances to date.

“It looked like our chemistry took a little step,” Arike Ogunbowale said of her backcourt connection with Bueckers. “But it’s still not where we want it to be. We definitely have to rebound better, especially in that first quarter. That kind of set the tone.”

The chemistry was building—but now, the Wings have to recalibrate.

Reconfiguring the Rotation

Without Bueckers—and possibly Tyasha Harris, who was downgraded from questionable to being ruled out with a left knee injury—the Wings may look to shift their starting lineup to keep experience and defensive length on the floor.

One potential adjustment would be to slide Ogunbowale into the point guard role and move DiJonai Carrington to shooting guard, thereby opening a spot on the wing for Maddy Siegrist to enter the starting lineup. Siegrist, one of three returning Wings, offers perimeter size, rebounding, and off-ball scoring.

“You’ve got to move without the ball, cut hard, and be in the right spots,” Siegrist told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “When Arike is going downhill, we just have to read off her and stay connected. Everyone’s job gets a little bigger.”

Teaira McCowan, another returner, said playing through Ogunbowale becomes even more crucial in Bueckers’ absence.

“When Paige is out, it’s just about moving with purpose and letting Arike do what she does,” McCowan told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “She’s going to draw attention, so we’ve got to stay ready. Be active, crash, space—it all matters more.”

Dallas Wings Rookies in the Spotlight

With both primary ballhandlers out, rookies JJ Quinerly and Aziaha James are likely to see expanded opportunities behind Ogunbowale. James did not appear on Thursday but is coming off a nine-point performance in nine minutes at Connecticut. Quinerly saw limited minutes in Chicago but brings strong defensive instincts.

Luisa Geiselsöder, who shares low-minute reps with both players in practice, said their progression is clear.

“They show that they’re ready every practice, every game,” Geiselsöder told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “They’re really talented rookies. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be here.”

“JJ—you can always count on her. Her defense is crazy. It’s really good,” she added. “She’s just another threat. So we have two threats from the guard position that are coming out, and they’re excited and motivated every game.”

Arike Ogunbowale Leads the Charge

With or without Harris, Ogunbowale will carry the primary scoring and playmaking load. On Thursday, she poured in 37 points, added seven assists and five rebounds, and tied the WNBA’s highest single-game scoring performance this season.

She now has 23 career 30-point games, tied for eighth-most in league history.

But the Wings know her brilliance won’t be enough alone.

“Just read the game and play smart,” Teaira McCowan told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “Everyone’s going to have to do a little more.”

Even without Bueckers, the Wings still command respect from the other sideline.

“Paige is a great player, but they still have a lot of other options,” Sky head coach Tyler Marsh told DallasHoopsJournal.com at shootaround. “DiJonai is going to look to step up, and Arike is still Arike. They’ve still got posts inside who can do some damage, and a good bench as well. So believe me—they’re still a very capable team, with or without Paige. I’m sure they’ll be locked in today.”

Chris Koclanes Focused on Response

Despite the loss, head coach Chris Koclanes said the team remains focused on growth and development, no matter the available personnel.

“It doesn’t feel great,” Koclanes said. “But we get to see them again very quickly — now we get to watch and adjust. It’s about how we respond.”

What Comes Next

The Wings return home to face the Sky again Saturday at 7:00 p.m. CT at College Park Center, then head to Seattle on Tuesday before hosting Los Angeles and Minnesota in a tight four-game stretch.

With Bueckers sidelined and Harris day-to-day, the lineup will keep shifting—and the response will have to come from within.

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